Printing system, method for dyeing medium, and ink set

Abstract

The invention provides a printing system, a method for dyeing a medium, and an ink set, which can appropriately perform printing and dyeing processing. The printing system includes a control device that controls printing by the printing device and textile printing by the heat treatment device. The control device includes a print data creation unit, a print control unit that prints information on a medium based on print data, and a printing condition setting unit that sets at least a heating temperature of the medium and a heating time of the medium in the printing process. The inks contained in the ink group each contain a sublimable dye as a color-developing component, and the dye contained in the magenta ink is disperse red 146. The printing condition setting unit sets the heating temperature in the printing process to a first temperature higher than the heating temperature when the dye contained in the magenta ink is disperse red 60, and sets the heating time to a first time longer than the heating time when the dye contained in the magenta ink is disperse red 60.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a printing system, a dyeing method of a medium, and an ink set. BACKGROUND

[0002] As an embodiment of the printing and dyeing, there is a transfer type printing and dyeing method using a sublimation dye. The printing and dyeing method is performed according to the following procedure. (I) Information is printed on a medium for transfer. (II) The medium for transfer on which the information is printed is brought into contact with a printed object such as cloth. (III) By performing heating and pressurization in a state where the medium for transfer is brought into contact with the printed object, sublimation of the sublimation dye is caused, and the information printed on the medium for transfer is transferred to the printed object.

[0003] Further, there is also a direct type printing and dyeing method in which a sublimation dye is directly printed on a medium (printed object). The printing and dyeing method is performed according to the following procedure. (I) Information is printed on a medium. (II) By performing heat treatment on the medium on which the information is printed, the printed information is fixed on the medium.

[0004] In Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, a sublimation transfer ink set for the transfer type printing and dyeing is disclosed. The ink set is used for printing of information to a medium for transfer by an inkjet printing device.

[0005] [Related Art Documents]

[0006] [Patent Literature]

[0007] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-231683

[0008] [Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-071385 SUMMARY

[0009] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0010] The ink set generally contains, as a basic color, an ink composition of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), or four colors including black (BK) in addition to them.

[0011] The ink composition contains a sublimation dye (disperse dye) as a color developing component. A part of the sublimation dye is sometimes replaced by a substitute. The conditions of the printing and dyeing under the substitute are not necessarily consistent with the conditions of the printing and dyeing under the sublimation dye before the replacement. Therefore, if the printing and dyeing is performed under the same conditions, sometimes a predetermined color development cannot be obtained. In the case, adjustment of the conditions of the printing and dyeing is sometimes required.

[0012] Therefore, there is a demand for a printing and dyeing using an ink containing a sublimation dye, which can be more appropriately performed.

[0013] [Technical means for solving the problem]

[0014] An embodiment of the present application is

[0015] (1) A printing system, comprising:

[0016] a printing device that performs printing of information to a medium using an ink set including at least one ink other than a magenta ink;

[0017] a heat treatment device that fixes the information printed on the medium by performing a printing treatment on the medium on which the information is printed; and

[0018] a control device in the printing system,

[0019] the control device has:

[0020] a printing data creation section that creates printing data based on input data of the information printed on the medium;

[0021] a printing control section that controls ejection of the ink to the medium based on the created printing data, thereby printing the information on the medium; and

[0022] a printing treatment condition setting section that sets at least a heating temperature of the medium and a heating time of the medium as conditions of the printing treatment,

[0023] the inks included in the ink set each contain a dye having sublimation property as a color developing component, and the dye included in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 146,

[0024] the printing treatment condition setting section

[0025] sets the heating temperature in the printing treatment to a first temperature higher than a heating temperature when the dye included in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60, and

[0026] sets the heating time in the printing treatment to a first time longer than a heating time when the dye included in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0027] If so configured, it is possible to provide a printing system in which the printing treatment is properly performed even when the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146.

[0028] (2) The first temperature is a temperature 10°C to 40°C higher than a heating temperature when the dye included in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60,

[0029] The first time is a heating time that is at most 100 seconds longer than the heating time when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0030] If configured in this way, a printing system can be provided that can be properly used even when the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146.

[0031] (3) The printing and dyeing condition setting unit calculates the total usage amount by summing the usage amount of each ink in the ink group based on the created printing data, and calculates the proportion of the magenta ink in the calculated total usage amount, and sets the printing and dyeing conditions based on the calculated proportion.

[0032] There is a correlation between the extent of the impact of dye changes and the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information.

[0033] By varying the printing and dyeing conditions based on the proportion of magenta ink in the total ink usage, conditions that take into account the impact of dye changes on color development and quality can be established. This allows for the suppression of differences in color development and quality before and after dye changes.

[0034] (4) The printing and dyeing condition setting unit calculates the area of ​​the region using the magenta ink based on the created printing data, and calculates the proportion of the area of ​​the region using the magenta ink in the total printing area specified by the printing data, and sets the conditions of the printing and dyeing process based on the calculated proportion.

[0035] There is a correlation between the extent of the impact of dye changes and the area of ​​the area where magenta ink is used relative to the total area of ​​the printed information.

[0036] By varying the printing conditions based on the proportion of the area using magenta ink to the total area of ​​the printed information, printing conditions can be set that take into account the impact of dye changes on color development and quality. This allows for the suppression of differences in color development and quality before and after dye changes.

[0037] (5) A table that stores the proportion of the magenta ink in relation to the first temperature and the first time.

[0038] The dyeing and printing condition setting unit sets the first temperature and the first time based on the calculated ratio and with reference to the table.

[0039] The proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information can be determined in the table based on past test results or simulations, specifying the first temperature and first time.

[0040] If configured in this way, the dyeing and printing condition setting unit can determine the appropriate values ​​for the first temperature and the first time based on the calculated ratio and by referring to the table.

[0041] Even when the dye for magenta ink is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, the difference in color development and quality before and after the dye change can be suppressed.

[0042] (6) In the printing apparatus, multiple ink groups containing different inks other than the magenta ink are prepared.

[0043] In the table, the relationship between the proportion of magenta ink and the conditions of the printing and dyeing process is prepared for each of the multiple ink groups.

[0044] If configured in this way, by specifying the proportion of magenta ink, the first temperature, and the first time in the table for each of the multiple ink groups with different combinations of inks, the difference in color development and quality before and after changing the ink group used in the printing apparatus can be suppressed even if the ink group is changed.

[0045] Therefore, even if inks containing other dyes such as purple or orange are included in the ink group, printing can be carried out with approximately the same color development and quality as before the dye change.

[0046] (7) The control device has a condition prompting unit that prompts at least two alternative conditions for the dyeing and printing process.

[0047] The table stores color development data, which records the color development state of the medium after the dyeing process, for each condition of the dyeing process.

[0048] The condition prompt section

[0049] When suggesting alternative conditions for the dyeing and printing process, the color development data for dyeing and printing under the suggested conditions are also provided.

[0050] If configured in this way, the conditions for printing and dyeing can be set based on the user's confirmation of the impact of different conditions on color development and quality. This reduces the possibility that the color development and quality after printing and dyeing will deviate significantly from the user's expectations.

[0051] Here, if the color development and quality after printing deviate significantly from the user's expectations, the printing process must be restarted. By setting the printing process conditions based on user confirmation, the likelihood of restarting can be reduced. Re-printing increases the total operation time or reduces the yield rate in creating printed media. By configuring the process as described above, such situations can be appropriately prevented.

[0052] One embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0053] (8) A method for dyeing a medium, comprising: a printing step of printing information on a medium using an ink group comprising at least one other ink in addition to magenta ink; and

[0054] In the heat treatment process, the printed information is fixed onto the medium through a dyeing process. The dyeing method for the medium...

[0055] The inks in the ink group each contain a sublimable dye as a color-developing component, and the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 146 as the dye.

[0056] The heating temperature in the dyeing process is set to a first temperature higher than the heating temperature when the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 60 dye, and

[0057] The heating time in the printing and dyeing process is set to a first time that is longer than the heating time when the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 60 dye.

[0058] If the dyes contained in magenta ink are changed, the color development or quality of the printed information will differ even if the printing and dyeing conditions are the same.

[0059] Through diligent research, the inventors of this case discovered that by setting the heating temperature in the printing and dyeing process to a first temperature higher than the heating temperature when the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 60 dye, and

[0060] By setting the heating time in the printing and dyeing process to a first time that is longer than the heating time when the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 60 dye, it is possible to obtain a color development or quality that is approximately the same as when the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 60 dye.

[0061] Therefore, even if the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, printing and dyeing can still be carried out appropriately.

[0062] (9) The first temperature is a temperature that is 10°C to 40°C higher than the heating temperature when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0063] The first time is a heating time that is at most 100 seconds longer than the heating time when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0064] If configured in this way, printing and dyeing can be carried out appropriately even if the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146.

[0065] One embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0066] (10) An ink group comprising, in addition to magenta ink, at least one other ink, wherein...

[0067] The inks in the ink group each contain a sublimable dye as a color-developing component, and the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 146 as a dye.

[0068] Even if the Disperse Red 60, the coloring component of magenta ink in the sublimation dye contained in the ink group, is replaced with Disperse Red 146, printing and dyeing can still be carried out appropriately without significantly affecting the printing quality, such as color development.

[0069] [The effects of the invention]

[0070] This invention allows for appropriate printing and dyeing processes. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the printing system.

[0072] Figure 2 It is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the control device.

[0073] Explanation of icon numbers

[0074] 1: Printing System

[0075] 2: Printing apparatus

[0076] 3: Heat treatment equipment

[0077] 5: Control device

[0078] 51: Processing Department

[0079] 52: Storage Department

[0080] 55: Input device

[0081] 56: Output device

[0082] 511: Printing Data Creation Department

[0083] 512: Printing Control Department

[0084] 513: Dyeing and Printing Condition Setting Department

[0085] 514: Dyeing and Printing Processing Control Department

[0086] 515: Conditional Prompt Section

[0087] 521: Table

[0088] M: Medium

[0089] T: Heating temperature

[0090] T1: First temperature

[0091] Ts: Heating temperature

[0092] t: Heating time

[0093] t1: Heating time

[0094] t1: First time

[0095] ts: heating time Detailed Implementation

[0096] The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0097] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the printing system.

[0098] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing system 1 includes a printing device 2, a heat treatment device 3, and a control device 5.

[0099] As an example, printing apparatus 2 is an inkjet printer that uses a set of four process colors of ink to print information on medium M.

[0100] As an example, the heat treatment apparatus 3 is a hot press. The heat treatment apparatus 3 performs printing treatment on the medium M on which information is printed, and fixes the printed information onto the medium M.

[0101] The control device 5 controls the printing and dyeing process (heat treatment) in the printing device 2 and the heat treatment device 3.

[0102] [Medium M]

[0103] Medium M is a fabric (cloth, fabric) made of polyester filaments as synthetic fibers.

[0104] Medium M can also be a medium made by blending polyester, which is the main component, with other synthetic fibers.

[0105] In this embodiment, the preferred medium M is made of polyester with a fiber-opening temperature in the range of 150°C to 180°C.

[0106] Here, in the polyester medium M used for dyeing, the dye is retained in the gaps between the molecular chains of the polyester constituting medium M. The so-called fiber-opening temperature refers to the temperature at which the molecular chains of the polyester constituting medium M relax (gap widens) to the point that the dye can penetrate between the molecular chains of the polyester.

[0107] Medium M can be a medium made of plain weave polyester filaments or a medium made of twill weave polyester filaments.

[0108] As an example, examples include tropical (100% polyester), Pongee (100% polyester), smooth (100% polyester), honeycomb (100% polyester), and Lycra (registered trademark) (15% polyurethane-85% polyester) as polyester fabrics (mediums).

[0109] Here, tropical or pongee refers to fabrics used as advertising tools such as roller blinds, pennants, and carp streamers.

[0110] The "information" printed on medium M includes not only the "pattern" or "details" of the printed design, but also text, symbols, patterns, etc.

[0111] Information printing can use inks containing dyes with sublimation properties as coloring components (dye-based inks).

[0112] The printing apparatus 2 for printing information includes a set of four primary color inks. The four primary colors are yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK), and are the basic colors used in full-color printing.

[0113] In this embodiment, the ink set of the printing apparatus 2 may be any ink set that includes at least one of the following inks in addition to magenta (M): yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (BK). Furthermore, the ink set may also include green, purple, and orange inks, which are complementary colors to the basic color.

[0114] The printing apparatus 2 has heads (inkjet heads: not shown) corresponding to each color of the ink set. Each color head is mounted on a bracket 21 that moves in the Y direction. The bracket 21 is supported by a Y-bar 22 disposed above the table 20 so that it can move in the Y direction.

[0115] A medium M is wound onto the upper surface of the platen 20. The area of ​​the medium M wound on the platen 20 is the area between the feed roller R1 and the winding roller R2. The medium M can be moved in the X direction by a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0116] The medium M fed from the feed roller R1 is printed with information in the area of ​​the table 20 using ink ejected from the inkjet head. The printed medium M is then wound onto the winding roller R2. The medium M wound on the winding roller R2 is cut to a specified length in the pre-treatment stage before being supplied to the heat treatment device 3.

[0117] In the printing apparatus 2, printing is performed while the carriage 21 and the medium M are relatively displaced in the Y and X directions by a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0118] The printed medium M is supplied to the heat treatment device 3 after being cut to the specified length.

[0119] The heat treatment apparatus 3 has a pair of heating plates 31, 31. A heater 32 is disposed inside the heating plate 31.

[0120] In the heat treatment apparatus 3, pressure is applied to the medium M under the condition that a pair of heating plates 31, 31 hold it, thereby fixing the printed information onto the medium M. At this time, the color development or quality of the information printed on the medium M changes depending on the heating temperature, heating time, and pressure.

[0121] The control device 5 includes a processing unit 51, a storage unit 52, and an input / output (I / O) port 53. The processing unit 51, the storage unit 52, and the I / O port 53 are interconnected via a bus 54.

[0122] The input / output port 53 of the control device 5 is connected to the printing device 2, the heat treatment device 3, the input device 55, and the output device 56.

[0123] In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 2 and the heat treatment apparatus 3 are illustrated as being connected one-to-one with respect to the control device 5. However, the printing apparatus 2 and the heat treatment apparatus 3 may also be connected to the control device 5 via a network, regardless of whether the connection is wired or wireless, in a manner that allows them to exchange information.

[0124] The input device 55 is an interface for inputting instructions to the control device 5. Examples of input devices 55 include keyboards, mice, touch panels, and terminals held by the operator.

[0125] Output device 56 is an interface for outputting information such as text, images, or sound. Examples of output devices 56 include monitors, speakers, and terminals held by the operator.

[0126] The processing unit 51 is a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), and it executes the processing specified by the program based on the program stored in the storage unit 52.

[0127] Storage unit 52 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and a recording medium capable of storing and rewriting information such as memory.

[0128] The storage unit 52 stores the programs for each process implemented by the processing unit 51. Furthermore, the storage unit 52 stores information created during the processing.

[0129] In addition, an external server (not shown) connected to the control device 5 via a network (not shown) can also function as a storage unit 52.

[0130] In addition to various programs, the storage unit 52 also contains a table 521 that summarizes the conditions of the dyeing and printing process in the heat treatment apparatus 3.

[0131] Here, as an example, the conditions for dyeing and printing include at least the heating temperature T of the medium M in the heat treatment device 3 and the heating time t of the medium M.

[0132] In the case of a direct dyeing method, it is preferable to include parameters such as heating temperature T, heating time t, and heating air volume in the dyeing process. In the case of a transfer dyeing method, it is preferable to include parameters such as heating temperature T and heating time t in the dyeing process.

[0133] Here, the inventors changed the dye in the magenta ink contained in the ink group from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, and confirmed that even if the printing and dyeing conditions were the same, the color development or quality of the printed information would be different.

[0134] Then, various studies were conducted on the printing and dyeing conditions when the dye was changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, and conditions were found that could obtain printing and dyeing conditions that were approximately the same as those when the dye contained in magenta ink was Disperse Red 60.

[0135] Specifically, conditions (heating temperature T, heating time t) for printing and dyeing treatments that yield approximately the same color development or quality as that of magenta ink containing Disperse Red 60 were discovered.

[0136] Table 521 stores the printing and dyeing conditions corresponding to the ink group mounted on the printing apparatus 2.

[0137] As an example, (a) different printing and dyeing conditions are determined based on the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information. (b) different printing and dyeing conditions are determined based on the proportion of the area where magenta ink is used in the total area of ​​the area where information is printed.

[0138] The inventors in this case discovered through experiments or simulations that (a) there is a correlation between the degree of influence of dye changes and the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information, and (b) there is a correlation between the degree of influence of dye changes and the area of ​​the area where magenta ink is used relative to the total area of ​​the area where information is printed.

[0139] Table 521 lists the conditions for dyeing and printing treatments based on the tendencies obtained through these experiments or simulations.

[0140] Furthermore, in Table 521, color development data is stored in association with the conditions of the printing and dyeing process. Color development data is data (e.g., image data) that enables a user to visually identify the color development state in the medium M after the printing and dyeing process. In Table 521, one set of color development data is associated with each registered condition of the printing and dyeing process.

[0141] Here, in printing apparatus 2, multiple ink groups containing different inks, excluding the magenta ink containing Disperse Red 146, are prepared. Therefore, Table 521 shows the relationship between the proportion of magenta ink and the printing and dyeing conditions for each of the multiple ink groups.

[0142] Therefore, by referring to Table 521, the optimal conditions for printing and dyeing can be extracted at this point in time based on the type of ink group used, and (a) the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information, or (b) the proportion of the area where magenta ink is used in the total area of ​​the area where information is printed.

[0143] The processing unit 51 has a printing data creation unit 511, a printing control unit 512, a printing and dyeing condition setting unit 513, a printing and dyeing processing control unit 514, and a condition prompting unit 515 as functional blocks for controlling the printing and dyeing processing in the printing apparatus 2 and the heat treatment apparatus 3.

[0144] The printing data creation unit 511 processes the input image data (input data: digital data) to create printing data in a format that can be printed.

[0145] The printing data creation unit 511 reads the program (Raster Image Processor (RIP)) stored in the storage unit 52 and performs data conversion processing to convert vector image or text data into raster format, or color adjustment processing to perform color correction or color separation.

[0146] The printing control unit 512 performs printing using the printing device 2 based on the printing data.

[0147] The printing control unit 512 drives the drive mechanism (not shown) of the printing apparatus 2 to control the relative displacement of the carrier 21 and the medium M in the XY direction. At this time, the printing control unit 512 controls the ejection of ink droplets onto the medium M based on printing data to implement the printing of information onto the medium M.

[0148] Before setting the printing and dyeing conditions, the condition prompting unit 515 prompts for multiple alternative printing and dyeing treatment conditions.

[0149] As an example, the condition prompting unit 515 calculates the total usage amount by summing the usage amounts of each ink in the ink group based on the printing data created by the printing data creation unit 511. Then, the printing condition setting unit 513 calculates the proportion of magenta ink in the calculated total usage amount.

[0150] The printing and dyeing condition setting unit 513 obtains the conditions for multiple (at least two) printing and dyeing processes based on the type of ink group used in the printing apparatus 2 and the calculated proportion of magenta ink, and with reference to Table 521.

[0151] Then, the condition prompting unit 515 displays the acquired conditions of multiple printing and dyeing processes on the output device 56 (e.g., a monitor). At this time, color development data, indicating the color development state when printing and dyeing is performed under the conditions of the printing and dyeing processes, are listed in conjunction with the conditions of the printing and dyeing processes.

[0152] Therefore, the output device 56 provides parallel display of at least two printing and dyeing processing conditions and image data that allows visualization of the color development state during printing and dyeing processing under each of the conditions.

[0153] Therefore, the user selects one of the multiple printing and dyeing conditions suggested.

[0154] Alternatively, instead of (a) the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information, the proportion of (b) the area where magenta ink is used in the total area of ​​the area where information is printed can be used to obtain the conditions for printing and dyeing.

[0155] When a dyeing and printing condition is specified from the multiple heat treatment conditions provided, the dyeing and printing condition setting unit 513 sets the specified dyeing and printing condition as the condition for the dyeing and printing process performed by the heat treatment apparatus 3.

[0156] In addition, the printing and dyeing condition setting unit 513 may use the type of ink group, (a) the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information, or (b) the proportion of the area where magenta ink is used in the total area of ​​the area where information is printed, and refer to Table 521 to directly obtain the printing and dyeing conditions, and set the obtained printing and dyeing conditions as the printing and dyeing conditions implemented by the heat treatment device 3.

[0157] The dyeing and printing process control unit 514 controls the dyeing and printing process (heat treatment) in the heat treatment apparatus 3 based on the set conditions for the dyeing and printing process.

[0158] The dyeing and printing process control unit 514 drives the drive mechanism (not shown) or heater 32 of the heat treatment device 3 to control the pressure, temperature and time when the medium M is held by the hot press, thereby performing the dyeing and printing process of the medium M.

[0159] [Magenta Ink]

[0160] In inks that use Disperse Red 60 as the coloring component, an ink that simply replaces Disperse Red 60 with Disperse Red 146 without changing other components (solvent components, additives, etc.) is used as an evaluation magenta ink.

[0161] In this embodiment, Disperse Red 146, represented by the following formula (1), is used as the colorimetric component.

[0162] In addition, it can also replace methoxy (-OCH3) with ethoxy (-OCH2-CH3) or propoxy (-OCH2-CH2-CH3).

[0163] It can also be propoxy (-OCH2-CH2-CH3).

[0164]

[0165] In the dyeing process, dye is absorbed between the molecular chains of the polyester constituting the medium M and thus dyed. Therefore, if the substituents become larger, they may become obstacles to penetration between the molecular chains. Therefore, the change of the substituents of the methoxy group is preferably set to up to the ethoxy group.

[0166] [Ink assembly of printing device 2]

[0167] In the four primary color ink group installed in printing device 2, only the magenta (M) ink is replaced with the evaluation magenta ink.

[0168] [Evaluation medium]

[0169] The evaluation medium M was made of the following fabrics: tropical (100% polyester), Pongee (100% polyester), smooth (100% polyester), honeycomb (100% polyester), and Lycra (registered trademark) (15% polyurethane-85% polyester).

[0170] In addition, a 25cm×25cm test piece was made from the printed medium M, and the test piece was subjected to printing and dyeing treatment. The color development, whether the medium yellowed, and whether the medium changed size were used as evaluation items.

[0171] [Evaluation of Conditions for Dyeing and Printing Processes]

[0172] For a medium M that printed information using a magenta ink containing Disperse Red 146 as the color developing component, the conditions for printing and dyeing were evaluated in place of the heating temperature and heating time in the printing and dyeing process.

[0173] Here, regarding the dyeing and printing process, the heating temperature T is set to 180℃, 190℃, 200℃, 210℃, and 220℃, and the heating time t is set to 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, and 150 seconds.

[0174] Incidentally, in the case of four primary color inks including magenta ink using Disperse Red 60 as the coloring component, the standard conditions for printing and dyeing processing are a heating temperature Ts of 180℃-210℃ and a heating time ts of 30 seconds-60 seconds.

[0175] In the evaluation of the obtained dyeing and printing medium M, the following evaluation parameters are used: (a) whether the medium M (fabric) has yellowing or shrinkage, (b) the color development of the ink (the printed information), and (c) the quality of the printed information (whether there is ink bleeding).

[0176] Regarding the "yellowing" evaluation item in (a), the difference in hue of the medium before and after the printing and dyeing treatment was visually confirmed.

[0177] Regarding “shrinkage” in (a) of the evaluation items, the dimensional changes of the medium before and after the dyeing and printing treatment are measured.

[0178] As an example, in the evaluation of "yellowing," the degree of yellowing is assessed on a scale of 1 to 5. In the evaluation of "shrinkage," the longitudinal and transverse dimensional changes of the medium are measured, and the rate of change relative to the original size is assessed on a scale of 1 to 5. For example, if the rate of change is less than 2%, it is scored 4 or 5 points. If it is greater than 2%, it is scored from 1 to 3 points.

[0179] In the table below, based on the evaluation values ​​of "yellowing" and "shrinkage", determine "○: no yellowing, shrinkage, △: slight yellowing, slight shrinkage".

[0180] Regarding the color development in the evaluation items of (b)

[0181] The evaluation was conducted using the color difference ΔE (average value of ink duty from 10% to 100%) between printed materials using ink with Disperse Red 60 as the color component (comparative printed materials) and printed materials using ink with Disperse Red 146 as the color component (evaluation printed materials).

[0182] In the table below, we define “○: ΔE < 3, △: 3 ≦ ΔE < 5”.

[0183] Regarding the printing quality in evaluation item (c), the printing quality on the printed media after the printing and dyeing treatment was visually verified.

[0184] In the table below, we set "○: No problem, △: Slightly worse".

[0185] Regarding the comprehensive evaluation of the evaluation items in (d), the evaluation items (a) to (c) are scored separately, and the average score of the evaluation items is calculated.

[0186] In the table below, mark 5.0 to 4.1 as “◎”, 4.0 to 3.1 as “○”, and 3.0 to 2.1 as “△”.

[0187] <Tropical>

[0188] (a) Yellowing, shrinkage

[0189]

[0190] (b) Color development

[0191]

[0192] (c) Quality

[0193]

[0194] (d) Overall Evaluation

[0195]

[0196] In the case of tropical variegation, good results were obtained at 200℃~210℃: 90 s~120 s and 220℃: 60 s~90 s.

[0197] In the case of Tropical, it was confirmed that the printing and dyeing conditions (heating temperature: 180°C, heating time: 60 seconds) for inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component were set to a temperature at least 20°C higher and a processing time of up to 60 seconds, thereby achieving a quality that is substantially equivalent to that of inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component.

[0198] <Pongee>

[0199] (a) Yellowing, shrinkage

[0200]

[0201] (b) Color development

[0202]

[0203] (c) Quality

[0204]

[0205] (d) Overall Evaluation

[0206]

[0207] In the case of spring spun yarn (Pongee), good results were obtained at 200℃: 120 seconds, 210℃: 90 seconds to 120 seconds, and 220℃: 60 seconds to 120 seconds.

[0208] In the case of Pongee, it was confirmed that the printing and dyeing conditions (heating temperature: 180°C, heating time: 60 seconds) for inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component were set to a temperature at least 20°C higher and a processing time of up to 60 seconds, thereby achieving a quality that is substantially equivalent to that of inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component.

[0209] <Smooth Fabric> (a) Yellowing, Shrinkage

[0210]

[0211] (b) Color development

[0212]

[0213] (c) Quality

[0214]

[0215] (d) Overall Evaluation

[0216]

[0217] With smooth fabrics, good results were obtained at 200°C for 120 seconds, 210°C for 90-120 seconds, and 220°C for 60-120 seconds.

[0218] In the case of smooth fabric, it was found that the printing and dyeing conditions (heating temperature: 180°C, heating time: 60 seconds) for inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component were set to a temperature at least 20°C higher and a processing time of up to 60 seconds. As a result, although the quality was poor in the case of inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component, it was still good.

[0219] If the focus is on color development, it is advisable to determine the conditions for printing and dyeing treatment (heating temperature: 180°C, heating time: 60 seconds) for inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a color developing component, setting the temperature at least 30°C higher and the treatment time at most 60 seconds longer.

[0220] <Honeycomb Fabric>

[0221] (a) Yellowing, shrinkage

[0222]

[0223] (b) Color development

[0224]

[0225] (c) Quality

[0226]

[0227] (d) Overall Evaluation

[0228]

[0229] In the case of honeycomb fabric, good results were obtained at 200℃: 120 seconds, 210℃: 120 seconds, and 220℃: 90–120 seconds.

[0230] In the case of honeycomb fabric, it was found that the printing and dyeing conditions (heating temperature: 180°C, heating time: 60 seconds) for inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component were set to a temperature at least 20°C higher and a processing time of up to 60 seconds. As a result, although the quality was poor in the case of inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component, it was still good.

[0231] Lycra

[0232] (a) Yellowing, shrinkage

[0233]

[0234] (b) Color development

[0235]

[0236] (c) Quality

[0237]

[0238] (d) Overall Evaluation

[0239]

[0240] In the case of Lycra (registered trademark), if the conditions for color development and quality are met, then yellowing and excessive shrinkage are confirmed.

[0241] In the case of Lycra (registered trademark), it was found that the printing and dyeing conditions (heating temperature: 180°C, heating time: 60 seconds) for inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component are set to a temperature at least 20°C higher and a processing time of a maximum of 60 seconds, thereby achieving good quality even in the case of inks containing Disperse Red 60 as a coloring component, although the quality is poor.

[0242] Based on the evaluation results, in the cases of tropical, pongee, and smooth fabrics, it was confirmed that for printed materials using inks with Disperse Red 60 as the coloring component, good results can be obtained by setting the printing conditions (180°C, 60 seconds) to a temperature 10°C to 60°C higher, preferably 20°C to 40°C higher, and a duration of up to 100 seconds, preferably 60 seconds.

[0243] The following example illustrates the process implemented by the control device 5 when printing images using tropical as the medium M.

[0244] Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by control device 5.

[0245] In the control device 5, when image data (input data) of information to be printed on the medium M is input (step S101, Yes), the printing data creation unit 511 creates printing data based on the input image data (step S102).

[0246] When printing data is created, the printing and dyeing condition setting unit 513 calculates the total usage amount by summing the usage amounts of each ink in the ink group based on the created printing data (step S103).

[0247] Then, the printing and dyeing condition setting unit 513 calculates the proportion of magenta ink in the calculated total usage (step S104).

[0248] Then, the dyeing and printing condition setting unit 513 obtains at least two candidates for dyeing and printing conditions (dyeing and printing processing conditions) determined according to the calculated ratio and referring to Table 521 (step S105).

[0249] The condition prompting unit 515 displays the acquired conditions for the printing and dyeing process on the output device 56 (e.g., a monitor) (step S106). At this time, the condition prompting unit 515 displays the acquired conditions for the printing and dyeing process side by side with image data that allows visualization of the color development state when the printing and dyeing process is performed under each condition.

[0250] Therefore, the conditions for printing and dyeing can be determined based on the user's confirmation of the impact of different conditions on color development and quality. Then, the user specifies the conditions for printing and dyeing selected by operating the input device 55.

[0251] When there is an instruction input for a dyeing process selected by a specified user (step S107, Yes), the dyeing condition setting unit 513 determines the conditions of the indicated dyeing process as the conditions of the dyeing process implemented by the heat treatment device 3 (step S108).

[0252] When the printing and dyeing conditions are determined (step S108), the printing control unit 512 outputs the printing data created in step S102 to the printing apparatus 2. Thus, the printing of information onto the medium M is performed (step S109).

[0253] Then, heat treatment of the medium M with printed information is carried out according to the printing and dyeing processing conditions (heat treatment conditions) determined in step S108 (step S110).

[0254] As described above, in Table 521, for each of the multiple ink groups, the conditions prepared as printing and dyeing treatment conditions (first temperature T1 and first time t1), optimized by experiment or simulation, and the proportion of magenta ink containing Disperse Red 146 are provided.

[0255] Therefore, by referring to Table 521 and performing the printing and dyeing process in the heat treatment apparatus 3 based on the obtained printing and dyeing processing conditions, even when the dye of the magenta ink is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, the difference in color development and quality before and after the dye change can be suppressed.

[0256] [Variation Example]

[0257] In the described embodiment, examples are given of conditions (first temperature T1 and first time t1) specified in Table 521 as conditions for the dyeing and printing process, which have been optimized through experiments or simulations.

[0258] The correction amount for the printing and dyeing conditions (first temperature T1 and first time t1) can be linked to (a) the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information, or (b) the proportion of the area where magenta ink is used in the total area of ​​the area where information is printed.

[0259] In the aforementioned case, the user can be prompted by using the correction amount obtained from Table 521 to correct the conditions of the printing and dyeing process (heating temperature and heating time). By doing so, even if the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, printing and dyeing can be carried out appropriately without significantly affecting the printing quality, such as color development.

[0260] In the described embodiment, a hot press is used as the heat treatment apparatus 3. A drying oven through which a printed medium M continuously passes can also be used instead of a hot press.

[0261] In this case, the medium undergoes printing and dyeing treatment by passing it through a drying oven maintained at the heat treatment temperature. While printing and dyeing is performed in a batch manner in a hot press, it is performed continuously when using a drying oven. Therefore, an increase in the production efficiency of printed materials after printing and dyeing treatment can be expected.

[0262] In the embodiment described, examples are given of calculating (a) the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information, or (b) the proportion of the area where magenta ink is used in the total area of ​​the area where information is printed, based on printing data created from input data.

[0263] The proportions of (a) and (b) can also be calculated from the printed data, and the proportions of (a) and (b) can be calculated from the printed data using the learned data.

[0264] As described above, the printing system 1 of this embodiment has the following structure.

[0265] (1) Printing system 1 has:

[0266] The printing apparatus 2 uses an ink group containing at least one other ink besides magenta ink to perform information printing based on printing data onto the medium M;

[0267] The heat treatment apparatus 3 fixes the information printed on the medium M by performing a printing and dyeing process on the medium M; and

[0268] Control device 5.

[0269] Control device 5 has:

[0270] The printing data creation unit 511 creates printing data based on input data of information printed on the medium M;

[0271] The printing control unit 512 controls the ejection of ink onto the medium M based on the created printing data, thereby printing information on the medium M; and

[0272] The dyeing and printing condition setting unit 513 sets at least the heating temperature T and the heating time t of the medium M in the dyeing and printing process.

[0273] The inks in the ink group each contain a sublimable dye as a color-developing component, and the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 146 as a dye.

[0274] Printing and dyeing condition setting department 513

[0275] The heating temperature T in the printing and dyeing process is set to a first temperature T1 that is higher than the heating temperature Ts when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0276] The heating time t in the printing and dyeing process is set to a first time t1 that is longer than the heating time ts when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0277] If configured in this way, a printing system can be provided that can be properly printed even when the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146 without significantly affecting the printing quality, such as color development.

[0278] (2) In the above (1),

[0279] The first temperature T1 is 10°C to 40°C higher than the heating temperature Ts when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0280] The first time t1 is the heating time ts that is at most 100 seconds longer than the heating time ts when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0281] If configured in this way, a printing system can be provided that can be properly printed even when the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146 without significantly affecting the printing quality, such as color development.

[0282] Here, Disperse Red 60, which is widely used as a magenta colorant in inks containing dyes with sublimation properties (disperse dye inks), may be prohibited and an alternative colorant needs to be selected.

[0283] The sublimable dyes (colorants) contained in the ink develop color through heat treatment (dyeing and finishing) after printing. On the other hand, fabrics that can use sublimation inks are polyester (or nylon) or polyester blends. Therefore, depending on the temperature or time of the heat treatment, sometimes a deterioration in the feel or deformation of the fabric may occur.

[0284] In heat treatment (dyeing and printing), a heating temperature of 180℃~210℃ and a heating time of 30 seconds~60 seconds are generally considered suitable for color development. If the heating temperature is too high, depending on the type of dye, color fading (bleed-through) may sometimes occur on the inside of the fabric, resulting in a decrease in the color development of the fabric surface.

[0285] When the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, the conditions of the dyeing process are set, thereby obtaining the desired color development while suppressing the deterioration of the hand feel or the deformation of the fabric.

[0286] (I) In (1) or (2),

[0287] In addition to magenta ink, the ink group also includes at least one other ink selected from yellow, cyan and black inks.

[0288] If configured in this way, even if the dye of the magenta ink is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, the printing process can still achieve approximately the same color development and quality as before the dye change, even with the four primary color inks used in printing apparatus 2.

[0289] (3) In any of (1), (2), and (I),

[0290] The printing and dyeing condition setting unit 513 calculates the total usage amount by summing the usage amounts of each ink in the ink group based on the created printing data, and calculates the proportion of magenta ink in the calculated total usage amount, and sets the printing and dyeing conditions (heat treatment conditions) based on the calculated proportion.

[0291] There is a correlation between the extent of the impact of dye changes and the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information.

[0292] By varying the printing and dyeing conditions based on the proportion of magenta ink in the total ink usage, conditions that take into account the impact of dye changes on color development and quality can be established. This allows for the suppression of differences in color development and quality before and after dye changes.

[0293] Furthermore, the proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information can be calculated based on printing data. Therefore, the conditions for printing and dyeing can be set while minimizing the processing burden required to set these conditions.

[0294] (4) In any of (1) to (3) and (I),

[0295] The printing and dyeing condition setting unit 513 calculates the area of ​​the region using magenta ink based on the created printing data, and calculates the proportion of the area of ​​the region using magenta ink in the printing area specified in the printing data, and sets the heat treatment conditions based on the calculated proportion.

[0296] There is a correlation between the extent of the impact of dye changes and the area of ​​the area where magenta ink is used relative to the total area of ​​the printed information.

[0297] By varying the printing and dyeing conditions based on the proportion of the area using magenta ink to the total area of ​​the printed information, the conditions can be set to account for the impact of dye changes on color development and quality. This allows for the suppression of differences in color development and quality before and after dye changes.

[0298] Furthermore, the proportion of the area using magenta ink to the total area of ​​the printed information can be calculated based on printing data. This allows for setting printing conditions while minimizing the processing burden required to do so.

[0299] (5) In any of (1) to (4) and (I),

[0300] Control device 5 has Table 521,

[0301] Table 521 stores the proportion of magenta ink in relation to the first temperature T1 (heating temperature) and the first time t1 (heating time).

[0302] The dyeing and printing condition setting unit 513 sets the first temperature T1 and the first time t1 based on the calculated ratio and with reference to Table 521.

[0303] The proportion of magenta ink in the total amount of ink used for printing information can be determined based on past test results or simulations, and the first temperature T1 and the first time t1 can be specified in Table 521.

[0304] If configured in this way, the dyeing and printing condition setting unit 513 can determine appropriate values ​​for the first temperature T1 and the first time t1 based on the calculated ratio and with reference to Table 521.

[0305] Therefore, even when changing the magenta dye from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, the difference in color development and quality before and after the dye change can be suppressed.

[0306] (6) In any of (1) to (5) and (I),

[0307] In printing apparatus 2, multiple ink groups containing different inks other than magenta ink are prepared.

[0308] In Table 521, the relationship between the proportion of magenta ink and the first temperature T1 and the first time t1 is prepared for each of the multiple ink groups.

[0309] If configured in this way, by pre-determining the proportion of magenta ink, the first temperature T1, and the first time t1 for each of the multiple ink groups with different combinations of inks, even if the ink group used in the printing apparatus 2 is changed, the difference in color development and quality before and after the dye change can be suppressed.

[0310] Therefore, even when inks containing other dyes such as purple or orange in addition to magenta are included in the ink group, the difference in color development and quality before and after changing the dye can be suppressed.

[0311] (7) The control device 5 has a condition prompting unit 515, which prompts at least two alternative conditions for dyeing and printing processes.

[0312] Table 521 stores color development data for each condition of the printing and dyeing process, recording the color development state in the medium M after the printing and dyeing process.

[0313] Conditional prompts section 515

[0314] When suggesting alternative conditions for dyeing and printing treatment, the color development data for dyeing and printing treatment under the suggested conditions should also be provided.

[0315] If configured in this way, the conditions for printing and dyeing can be set based on the user's confirmation of the impact of different printing and dyeing conditions on color development and quality. This reduces the possibility that the color development and quality after printing and dyeing will deviate significantly from the user's expectations.

[0316] Furthermore, if the color development and quality after printing deviate significantly from the user's expectations, the printing process must be restarted. By setting the printing process conditions based on user confirmation, the likelihood of restarting can be reduced. Re-printing increases the total operation time or reduces the yield rate in creating printed media. By configuring the process as described above, such situations can be appropriately prevented.

[0317] The invention in this case can also be identified as a dyeing method for printing information on a medium using an ink group containing at least one other ink in addition to magenta ink.

[0318] (8) The staining methods for the medium include:

[0319] The printing process involves printing information on a medium using an ink set that contains at least one other ink besides magenta ink; and

[0320] The heat treatment process involves applying a dyeing treatment to the medium on which the information is printed, thereby fixing the printed information onto the medium.

[0321] The inks in the ink group each contain sublimable dyes as coloring components.

[0322] The magenta ink contains Disperse Red 146 as its dye.

[0323] The heating temperature T in the printing and dyeing process is set to a first temperature T1 that is higher than the heating temperature Ts when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0324] The heating time t in the printing and dyeing process is set to a first time t1 that is longer than the heating time ts when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0325] If configured in this way, even if the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, the difference in color development and quality before and after the dye change can be suppressed.

[0326] (9) In the above (8),

[0327] The first temperature T1 is 10°C to 40°C higher than the heating temperature Ts when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0328] The first time t1 is the heating time ts that is at most 100 seconds longer than the heating time ts when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

[0329] If configured in this way, even if the dye is changed from Disperse Red 60 to Disperse Red 146, the difference in color development and quality before and after the dye change can be suppressed.

[0330] The invention in this case can also be identified as an ink group.

[0331] (10) An ink group is an ink group that contains at least one other ink in addition to magenta ink.

[0332] The inks in the ink group each contain a sublimable dye as a color-developing component. The magenta ink contains Disperse Red 146 as a dye.

[0333] Even if the Disperse Red 60, the coloring component of magenta ink in the sublimation dye contained in the ink group, is replaced with Disperse Red 146, the difference in color development and quality before and after the dye change can be suppressed.

[0334] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the forms shown in these embodiments. Suitable modifications can be made within the scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A printing system comprising: A printing apparatus that uses an ink group containing at least one other ink in addition to magenta ink to print information onto a medium; A heat treatment apparatus fixes the information printed on a medium by performing a dyeing process on the medium. as well as Control device, in the printing system The control device has: The printing data creation unit creates printing data based on input data of information to be printed on the medium; The printing control unit controls the ejection of ink onto the medium based on the created printing data, thereby printing information onto the medium. as well as The dyeing and printing condition setting unit sets at least the heating temperature and the heating time of the medium as conditions for the dyeing and printing process. The inks in the ink group each contain a sublimable dye as a color-developing component, and the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 146 as the dye. The dyeing and printing conditions setting unit The heating temperature in the dyeing process is set to a first temperature higher than the heating temperature when the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 60 dye, and The heating time in the printing and dyeing process is set to a first time that is longer than the heating time when the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 60 dye.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, The first temperature is 10°C to 40°C higher than the heating temperature when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60. The first time is a heating time that is at most 100 seconds longer than the heating time when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein, The printing and dyeing condition setting unit calculates the total usage amount by summing the usage amounts of each ink in the ink group based on the created printing data, and calculates the proportion of the magenta ink in the calculated total usage amount, and sets the printing and dyeing conditions based on the calculated proportion.

4. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein, The printing and dyeing condition setting unit calculates the area of ​​the region using the magenta ink based on the created printing data, and calculates the proportion of the area of ​​the region using the magenta ink in the total printing area specified by the printing data, and sets the conditions of the printing and dyeing process based on the calculated proportion.

5. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein, The control device has the following features: The table stores the proportion of the magenta ink in relation to the conditions of the printing and dyeing process. The dyeing and printing condition setting unit sets the first temperature and the first time based on the calculated ratio and with reference to the table.

6. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein, In the printing apparatus, multiple ink groups containing different inks other than the magenta ink are prepared. In the table, the relationship between the proportion of magenta ink and the conditions of the printing and dyeing process is prepared for each of the multiple ink groups.

7. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein, The control device has a condition prompting unit that prompts at least two alternative conditions for the dyeing and printing process. The table stores color development data, which records the color development state of the medium after the dyeing process, for each condition of the dyeing process. The condition prompt section When suggesting alternative conditions for the dyeing and printing process, the color development data for dyeing and printing under the suggested conditions are also provided.

8. A method for dyeing a medium, comprising: a printing step of printing information on the medium using an ink group comprising at least one other ink in addition to magenta ink; and In the heat treatment process, the printed information is fixed onto the medium through a dyeing process. The dyeing method for the medium... The inks in the ink group each contain a sublimable dye as a color-developing component, and the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 146 as the dye. The heating temperature in the dyeing process is set to a first temperature higher than the heating temperature when the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 60 dye, and The heating time in the printing and dyeing process is set to a first time that is longer than the heating time when the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 60 dye.

9. The staining method for the medium according to claim 8, wherein, The first temperature is 10°C to 40°C higher than the heating temperature when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60. The first time is a heating time that is at most 100 seconds longer than the heating time when the dye contained in the magenta ink is Disperse Red 60.

10. An ink group comprising, in addition to magenta ink, at least one other ink, wherein, The inks in the ink group each contain a sublimable dye as a color-developing component, and the magenta ink contains Disperse Red 146 as a dye.

Images